How To Use a Spaced Repetition Schedule To Learn Spanish Faster
Repetition in Spanish is an ideal learning method for you to gain Spanish proficiency faster.
Implementing a spaced repetition schedule to your Spanish routine is highly effective for memorizing and recalling important information effectively. The technique has amazing potential and is proven to bring motivating results to those who use it. It’s considered a highly powerful study method.
Keep reading for an insightful and productive lesson on how to use a spaced repetition schedule to learn Spanish faster!
DIY: Spaced Repetition Schedule
Plan your own routine with our Spanish spaced repetition schedule template.
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The Meaning of Spaced Repetition in Spanish
There are several methods you can use to memorize and learn Spanish.
A spaced repetition schedule is one of the most efficient strategies for learning new content. It allows you to memorize new topics and put them to practice intuitively and accurately.
Spaced repetition is a learning technique where you learn a specific subject by letting longer and longer periods of time pass between one training session and the next.
“Spaced repetition” in Spanish translates to repetición espaciada.
Implementing a spaced repetition schedule to your Spanish routine has the advantage that you won’t memorize large chunks of information at once. The method actually encourages you to take your time memorizing and learning new content. You leave a space between lessons that allows you to consolidate the information in your memory.
Origins of the Spaced Repetition Method
The inventor of spaced repetition as a learning strategy was Herman Ebbinghaus, a German philosopher, psychologist, and a pioneer in memory studies.
Ebbinghaus’ studies of memory led him to discover the process of retaining information and forgetting it. Through experiments, in which he served as a subject, he outlined la curva del olvido (the forgetting curve).
The forgetting curve is a chart that displays how memorizing new material decreases the level of retention logarithmically through time. His results were proof that if you don’t study and practice newly retained material, you’re likely to forget it.
Herman Ebbinghaus also said that information doesn’t just vanish and disappear from your mind. It passes through another level unconsciously where you can recover it through effort and revision.
Knowing the proper techniques to retain and access information quickly is possible thanks to study methods based on algorithms of the Herman Ebbinghaus contribution and method.
When you choose the proper times and frequency for reviewing information, you are guaranteed to soak up new knowledge.
Improving Your Spanish Through Spaced Repetition
Language learning gets a boost from spaced repetition because the amount of information you must learn is quite extensive and can’t be recalled through reasoning.
For example, learning vocabulary in Spanish isn’t like learning mathematical formulas.
When you distribute the study time of your content over a specific period of time, you retain the information more than when you study in one whole session.
Think of when you take an exam—you’re more likely to do better when you study for two weeks than when you study at the last minute for a whole day.
Spaced repetition in Spanish keeps content fresh in your brain. it also forces you to constantly recall the information and test yourself, and your capacity to memorize it. By using a spaced repetition schedule, you absorb knowledge for different contexts.
Learning Spanish with a spaced repetition schedule definitely requires you to be aware that you won’t be an expert as soon as you start. It’s a process that requires commitment, patience, and dedication.
Advantages of Spaced Repetition in Spanish
Here are some advantages for using the method of spaced repetition in Spanish
- It enhances your memory.
- You relate what you learn to information that is already stored in your long-term memory.
- It gives you discipline and makes your study routine more powerful.
- You teach your brain to respond actively and with awareness.
- The content you’re studying is broken down into smaller parts.
- Your studies are easier to manage.
Study With Spaced Repetition in Spanish
Spaced repetition enhances your approach to language learning completely.
The technique is demanding and fully immersive. It may be overwhelming if you don’t know how to use it, or how to start a spaced repetition schedule.
You must be willing to have consistent intervals between content reviews and this takes time. The whole goal of using spaced repetition is to retain and accumulate large chunks of information over time. Be prepared to give some of this valuable resource to your goals.
Start your own spaced repetition schedule with a routine where you follow these next steps.
1. Plan your time intervals wisely
This key part of your space repetition schedule. You have to define the time-space between study sessions.
Consider dividing time based on difficulty, learning capacity, prior knowledge, and complexity of each Spanish topic you’re including.
If you already have some Spanish experience, you can use intervals where you double the time between repetitions.
- Day 1: 1st repetition
- Day 4: 2nd repetition
- Day 10: 3rd repetition
- Day 22: 4th repetition
You can choose intervals by using a spaced repetition app with fixed algorithms and other resources like flashcards. Anki and SuperMemo are highly popular apps.
Spice up your lessons and spaced repetition in Spanish routine with the Top 6 Free Apps to Learn Spanish for Beginners.
2. Do a First Deep and Slow Review
Take a moment to study your Spanish materials for the first time without any distractions.
Make sure to highlight areas where you have questions, or where you need extra attention. This first session is for you to cover the topic taking your own time at your own pace. In the long run, this will save you time during reviews and repetitions. Set a special notebook for you to write these observations if they’re extensive.
Get extra inspiration for your new spaced repetition schedule with this blog post about the 8 Perks to Having a Language Journal While Learning Spanish.
3. Set the Tone With the First Repetition
After you’ve taken the time to go thoroughly through the content material, you need to review and repeat it for the first time. Doing this enables you to reinforce the previous information you’ve covered.
As you move forward with the repetitions, you elevate the freshness of the new Spanish content without any disruptions. It becomes easier to recall at the tip of your tongue. These repetitions should have plenty of Spanish reading, pronunciation, speaking, and writing.
4. Be Consistent but Not Overwhelming
Respect the time between intervals and don’t exaggerate in the amount of content you want to cover. You can overcharge your memory and cloud your ability to recall anything at all.
Make your spaced repetition schedule immersive enough for you to handle. Language learning should be motivating and not overpowering. Planning and distributing your time and effort accordingly ultimately takes you straight to your goal of becoming a fluent Spanish speaker.
Practice Repetition in Spanish With Our Team
Follow your spaced repetition schedule and join a free class with our certified teachers from Guatemala. Conversing with a native speaker is an added value to your spaced repetition schedule.
Your commitment to being bilingual is essential to broadening your understanding of community and diversity. Speaking Spanish elevates your communication abilities and allows you to connect with more people from different cultures and backgrounds.
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